Leave the noise behind

IF you need to make a hands-free call while driving or walking, you need a capable Bluetooth headset. A headset which is not only comfortable on the ear, but one which neatly eliminates outside noise, is easy to use and ensures crisp and clear...

A headset which is not only comfortable on the ear, but one which neatly eliminates outside noise, is easy to use and ensures crisp and clear sound.

IF you need to make a hands-free call while driving or walking, you need a capable Bluetooth headset. A headset which is not only comfortable on the ear, but one which neatly eliminates outside noise, is easy to use and ensures crisp and clear sound. Recently, we got the Plantronics Voyager 5200 headset for a product evaluation. This Bluetooth headset is nationally distributed by Rashi Peripherals, a leading IT distributor company. It retails for R7,999, but is it good for making calls? Let us find out.

Studies have shown that using a headset instead of holding the phone frees up a hand and can improve productivity by up to 43%. With this overbearing thought in mind, I started to probe the Voyager 5200. Made of sweat-proof material, the headset is comfortable to wear on the ear. Getting started is easy; the headset has enough power to pair and make a few calls. The first time you power on your headset, it begins the pairing process.

Switch the headset on, you will see the headset indicator lights flash blue and red. Then put your headset on, you will hear pairing. At my end, I paired it with my better half’s iPhone 6 Plus and it was a simple exercise. The biggest advantage of this Bluetooth headset is that it gives you freedom to roam around while talking, eliminating the need to keep the phone on your ear all the time.

The Voyager 5200 offers a wide array of features, most prominent being its wind and noise cancelling technology.

This noise cancellation or wind cancellation feature helps to filter out unnecessary sounds and improvise the incoming/outgoing calls quality. With the aerodynamic boom resisting turbulence and windscreen filtering the initial air layer, crisp clear sound is obtained with the Voyager 5200’s Wind Box enclosed microphones powered by multi-mic array and wind avoidance algorithm; company officials claim it can cancel up to 26 decibels of noise. Four-mic DSP and WindSmart technology eliminate most background noise so you can focus on what you are saying and not where you are standing.

Another great feature is the in-case charging facility along with a magnetic stand. Voyager 5200 is a very user friendly option with its easy access, multi-functioning button offering direct Siri connect. In terms of actual usage, the Voyager 5200 headsets give you the freedom to leave your desk and move around during phone calls, up to 98 feet from your phone. You can answer and end calls while away from your desk, enabling you to be completely free while you walk, talk and work.

In short, you’ll benefit immensely from the Voyager 5200 if you spend a lot of time on the phone.